Steven Tyler: American Idol was ‘not my cup of tea’

Now that he’s free from the pageantry of American Idol, flamboyant Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler is not mincing words when it comes to his former employer.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Tyler revealed that troubles within Aerosmith were the primary reason he signed on to judge the Fox reality singing competition in 2010.

“It was something to do while the storm blew by, to be honest,” he said, calling the show, “not my cup of tea.”

Of course, his reported $10 Million US per season payday provided a bit of sugar to sweeten his hot beverage.

“I loved it and hated it. It was a great job, I sat next to J. Lo and I made a ton of money,” he told the magazine. “It was a moment in life and it became larger than life.”

Tyler’s declarations are in contrast to the sunny picture he painted when he left Idol last month. In a statement to the press, he wrote that “Idol was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it…”

Speaking to Rolling Stone while promoting Aerosmith’s upcoming album, Music from Another Dimension! (due in November), the 64-year-old said that the show’s long hours were a mitigating factor in his departure, thoughhe was never comfortable with his role as the new Simon Cowell.

“The show’s about kids and what you do to nurture their talent. They wanted me to take the piss out of the kids and I don’t have that in me,” Tyler confessed. “That’s not what I’m about. That’s more about that other guy. Not me.”

As for the rumours that Tyler left due to money issues, Rolling Stone notes the Aerosmith frontman declined to comment.

According to a reportout Tuesday, Tyler’s Idol judging seat is rumoured to be filled next season by 19-year-old Nick Jonas.